Commercial Driver License (CDL) Training

OVERVIEW

Overview: New Hampshire Department of Employment Security projects there will be 890 annual openings for CDL operators, equating to a rate of 6.5 % growth in the need for CDL operators between 2020 and 2030.  Finally, the New Hampshire Executive Council and Governor have identified the CDL shortage as an area of concern for the future.  Nashua Community College now offers the CDL Class A course in partnership with other NH community colleges and Patten Driving School. 

Program Outcomes: The CDL-A course prepares students through online self-paced theory instruction and in-vehicle training time. After hours of driving, labs, lecture, and range time, participants master a wide range of driver competencies to become safe, comfortable, confident drivers.  This license is required to operate vehicles such as truck and trailer combinations, tankers, livestock carriers, and flatbeds.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for this program, students must be at least 18 years old and provide:

• Valid NH Driver License
• Copy of Learners Permit 

* CDL Learners Permits are obtained by the NH DMV and require a separate fee paid ($20) directly to the NH DMV

Please note the following:

Applicants must not have any alcohol-related or major driving offenses during the previous two years on both civilian and military licenses. The Division of Motor Vehicles reserves the right to disqualify applicants based on information obtained during the application process.

To gain employment in this field, employers may have additional requirements.

CLASS FORMAT

Class Format: This program consists of an estimated 40 hour online self-paced course and adequate completion of practice range time and road time.

Hourly Commitment:

*A computer is required for successful completion of this program.

PROGRAM COST

Tuition: $9,150*

*Program cost is training tuition only, inclusive of theory, range and road training.

Students will be required to pay for the following to the New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles and the New Hampshire Department of Safety, for your enrollment records, permit(s) and applicable test(s):

• Copy of Learners Permit $20
• Complete and pass DOT Physical Exam; valid Medical Card on file with DMV (cost varies, est. $100)
• Drug & Alcohol Screen (cost varies, est. $100)
• State re-test fee with Patten’s Driving School: $450

This program is WIOA eligible.

SCHEDULE: 

May 2026 Class

• May 26 –June 12, 2026 -> Online Theory
• June 15-19 -> Range
• June 22 –26 -> Road

September 2026 Class

• September 8 –25, 2026 -> Online Theory
• September 28-October 2 -> Range
• October 5-9 -> Road

November 2026 Class

• November 16 –December 4, 2026 -> Online Theory
• December 7-11 -> Range
• December 14-18 -> Road

Partners

NCC is proud to partner with the following organizations and employers:

Patten’s Commercial Driver Training
Training Facility
197 NH Route 10
Croydon, NH 03773